Bike Reviews

Carbon fiber bottle cages, to some, might reek of overkill. But if you own a premium bike, worthwhile alternatives are scarce—few people would endorse sticking a heavy, cheap, or poorly made cage on a $7,000 bike.

Instead, check out Blackburn’s $50 Camber. It’s not cheap, but it costs less than many carbon options, and a similarly priced King titanium cage would look incongruous on a modern carbon bike. At 27 grams, it’s light, and Blackburn’s lifetime warranty makes it less of a financial risk. The sharp, modern lines complement most race bikes and it comes in seven color options—because if you’re going to pop for a carbon cage, it better match your bike. The Camber’s wide, flared top makes it easy to insert and withdraw bottles, and the reinforced sides hold your bidons tight—not even 40 mph descents over railroad tracks could shake them free.—Lou Mazzante